The Medcomms Round Malta Race is usually the last big event of the season and is therefore looked forward to by many.

This year’s edition attracted no fewer than 16 entries.

By 9am, the wind hadn’t filled in yet, making for a slow start in very fickle winds but by the time the lead boats approached Dragonara, the north westerly breeze picked up and was to see yachts around the island.

BOV Elusive managed to get the better of Otra Vez on the upwind leg to the Comino channel, leading the fleet in the northbound course around Malta.

The weather was glorious for a mid-December day with a steady 8-10 knots of wind, later picking up slightly on the southern part of the island where boats hoisted a colourful selection of spinnakers.

At Munxar, cardinal buoy sail changes prepared the boats for the last beat to the harbour where the very light and patchy breeze made it a slow finish.

Arthur Podesta, on BOV Elusive, claimed line honours at 4.35pm.

BOV Elusive were also declared the overall winners.

Edward Gatt Floridia’s Otra Vez was a close second while Matthew Scicluna placed third in IRC Class I, having covered the course double-handed on Maltese Falcon.

Among the smaller boats in IRC Class II, the Fenech brothers on Moondance claimed first place followed by Per Sahlberg on Windriven in second and Anthony Calleja on Lartista in third.

The results in the cruiser class were Sean Borg on Xplane first, Louis Attard on Le Mer second, and Peter Ellul Vincenti on Manana third.

The prize-giving ceremony for this event will be held tomorrow during the annual Christmas drinks party at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.